President-elect Donald J. Trump has chosen Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, to be his next defense secretary. This choice is unusual, given that most defense secretaries come from a military background. However, Hegseth was a dedicated supporter of Trump during his first term, defending his interactions with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and promoting the “America First” agenda.
Hegseth has combat experience in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. He graduated from Princeton University and later earned a master’s degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. Hegseth is also a co-host of Fox News’ popular program “Fox & Friends.”
Trump praised Hegseth, calling him “tough, smart, and a true believer in America First.” The president-elect stated that with Hegseth at the helm, the military will be great again and America will never back down.
However, Hegseth’s appointment may face opposition from senior military officials and lawmakers who have served in the military. Some have questioned his lack of experience beyond serving in the military and raised concerns about his ability to win Senate confirmation.
Despite this, Fox News has expressed support for Hegseth, calling him “an exceptional host” and praising his insights on the military.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/12/us/politics/pete-hegseth-defense-secretary-trump.html